10 Powerful Movies About Strong Independent Women for Women's History Month

February 28, 2020 by Angie Long

Watching a movie about strong, independent women can be truly empowering. If you're interested following in the footsteps of some powerful women this Women's History Month, there are lots of movies that can help inspire you. Every March is Women's History Month, a time to "honor the past, inform the present and inspire the future." Although our country has come a long way in honoring the rights of women, there are still battles to face, whether in the workforce, at home or in the public eye. 

Absorbing the real history of women during March is an important part to the month of recognition. However, the goal of the month is also to inspire and few things can be as inspiring as a powerful movie. From dramas to rom-coms, here are 10 movies about strong, independent women streaming on Netflix in March for Women's History Month!

10 Inspiring Movies About Strong Women

Streaming on Netflix

Freedom Writers

Hilary Swank stars as a young teacher who inspires her at-risk students to apply themselves and better their futures, despite a lack of funding for her classroom. She also has to deal with resistance from other teachers who don't have the same points of view. This drama should resonate not only with teachers but with anyone who faces resistance in their career.

The Incredible Jessica James

This romantic comedy features an aspiring playwright played by Jessica Williams. As she goes through struggles involving rejection letters from theater companies, she's also going through a painful breakup. But through it all, her confidence and bold personality shine. If you're looking for a movie about strong independent women this month, The Incredible Jessica James is a good place to start.

Tallulah

Played by Ellen Page, Tallulah decides to take care of a toddler who was abandoned by her mother. She does it all despite not even having a family of her own to help her. Tallulah is a wonderful movie to celebrate the depth and strength of women.

Step Sisters

This "dance comedy" features Megalyn Echikunwoke as Jamilah - the president of a black sorority charged with teaching a white sorority how to step dance for a charity competition. Although it is a comedy, the film honors the traditional African step dance and also offers some very thought-provoking moments. 

Lost Girls

This true-crime drama is based on a book with the same name. It's about a young woman who mysteriously disappears in the middle of the night. When her mother, played by Amy Ryan, goes on a mission to find her, she makes discoveries that force law enforcement to delve deeper into the unsolved murders of more than a dozen other women. Her fight for justice is inspirational and represents the strength of a determined woman.

A Quiet Place

This mystery/thriller features a family who is forced to fight for survival in silence in a world where making any noise will get you killed. Emily Blunt as a mom forced to keep her kids quiet will resonate with any parent. Add in the tension built through silence, and you have a riveting film for the evening.

Mudbound

Mary J. Blige and Carey Mulligan star in this historical drama about two families (one white and one black) confronting the realities of prejudice during World War II. Despite the struggles they endure, the story is trickled with love, hope and two strong women starring in this movie.

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Nappily Ever After

Based on the novel of the same name by Tricia R. Thomas, this romantic comedy is a feel-good movie that challenges modern-day beauty standards. If you need a boost of confidence as well as some laughs, watch this movie about women.

Dumplin

This movie stars Jennifer Anniston as a former beauty queen raising a plus-size teenager played by Danielle Macdonald. When Danielle's character, Dumplin', joins her mom's pageant, it encourages other people to do the same. This in turn revolutionizes the pageant in the small Texas town. Dumplin' is a fun yet powerful film about women that challenges societal norms.

There's Something in the Water

This documentary examines environmental racism facing Indigenous and African women in Nova Scotia. If you want to get fired up about how living in a certain zip code can affect your health, watch this and get inspired to get involved. 

While there are plenty of inspirational films about strong, independent women, these 10 are a good place to start. Check them out on Netflix before they go away or look for them through an online video rental service!